Iliad Analysis Sample
Can there be a “Heroic Code” That Guides the Decisions of the Characters in The Iliad?
In Homer’s famous epic poem the Iliad, those things and interactions of the characters are guided by their motivation to uphold an unspoken heroic code. While the characters of Hector and Achilles are imperfect, their actions are driven by a heroic code that dictates that honor must certanly be achieved most importantly of all.
In line with the code of the Homeric hero, honor must be achieved above all else. So that you can obtain honor, a hero must display courage even yet in the face of certain death. His honor is judged by his ability to triumph in battle and achieve social status. Both Achilles and Hector are flawed heroes, but both are driven by the heroic code that exists in Homer’s world.
Achilles exhibits the qualities of the hero in his ruthless attack of his enemies in battle. His treatment of Hector may appear cruel, but a Homeric hero doesn't exhibit mercy toward his enemy. Whilst it may appear that his initial abandonment of his army in the face of Agamemnon’s slight is selfish when it comes to the hero’s code of Homer’s epics, personal honor and glory are more crucial than patriotic glory. Put simply, Homer pursues the road of the hero by performing on his own behalf, even if it seems selfish to the unknowing eye.
Hector also follows the heroic code in his quest for honor. Hector is a brave warrior and a respected leader to his people, but his upholding of the heroic code can best be observed in his final fight Achilles. Initially, Hector does avoid the confrontation, but since he is an honorable figure who is living by a heroic code, that he eventually faces his foe.
Although it is comprehended that Hector’s chances of victory are slim, he still faces Achilles because it will be dishonorable to cover from his opponent, and he will gain more honor and glory by being killed by Achilles than hiding from him.
The heroic code that men in the Iliad live by will not make them good or bad men predicated on our modern definitions of the word. The existing code of conduct that people live by today differs from the heroic code that motivated Homer’s characters. Achilles and Hector, even though flawed, do live by the heroic code of their own time. The achieve this by perusing personal honor above all else.
Work Cited
Homer. The Iliad. 1964. Trans. W. H. D. Rouse. 1937. Reprint. New York: Mentor.
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